“We’ve forgiven you” – Nkroful chiefs accept NAPO’s apology over Nkrumah comment

The Chiefs and people of Nkroful have forgiven Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for his comments about Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

During his unveiling in Kumasi on Tuesday, July 9, Dr. Opoku Prempeh stated that President Akufo-Addo had performed better than Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, sparking widespread condemnation.

While some objected to the assertion entirely, others criticised how the comparison was made.

Dr. Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, subsequently apologised for his comments.

However, some chiefs of Nkroful, the hometown of Ghana’s first president, requested that the NPP running mate apologise in person before they would accept it.

During his tour of the Nzemaland, NAPO made a stop at Nkroful to apologise for his comment.

“I lived with Nzema people when I was growing up. Nzema people and I are one people. I will never disrespect Nkrumah in any way, anybody who attempts to disrespect Nkrumah will face the consequences of his actions.

“Nkrumah has done so much for the country. I was misconstrued, but I apologised to Ghanaians and I stand here before you to apologise for my comments again, forgive me, we’re all one people,” NAPO said.

In response, the chief of Nkroful, Nana Kwasi Kutua accepted the apology.

“NAPO’s comments received wide condemnation from Ghanaians because it was uncalled for. We hail the actions of Ghanaians, we thank them. We need to recognise that Nkrumah did a great job for the country.

“We’re a peaceful people, we don’t like violence, and we don’t want a situation where chaos will erupt in Ghana because of the Nzema people. We heard that NAPO apologised to Ghanaians for his comments. But he needed to come to Nzema to personally apologise to the traditional leaders and re-affirm his regrets.

“Today, he has asked for forgiveness from the chiefs, this is what we have all been waiting for, and so we accept his apology.”